Calif. high-speed rail, Amtrak in joint train bid

SACRAMENTO, Calif. (AP) — California's High-Speed Rail Authority and Amtrak are releasing a joint request for proposals to build trains for the state project and for Amtrak's Northeast Corridor.

The request released Friday says the California agency is seeking an initial order of 15 so-called "trainsets," which can travel at minimum speeds of 200 mph. Each will have a minimum of 450 seats distributed throughout several cars, determined by the bidders.

The trains must be able to meet the bullet train's planned trip time of 2 hours and 40 minutes between Los Angeles and the San Francisco Bay Area. Opponents claim that recent modifications mean the system will not be able to meet that time.

Amtrak is seeking up to 28 trainsets for its Acela line, which runs between Boston and Washington, D.C.